Influence of surface topography on the corrosion resistance of NiTi shape memory alloy nitrided at low-temperature plasma process

NiTi shape memory alloys are used for cardiological and bone implants. However on account of the metallosis effect, i.e. the migration of the alloy constituents into the surrounding tissues, they are submitted to various surface treatment processes in order to improve their corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, without affecting the shape memory properties that need to be maintained. Comparative studies on the corrosion resistance of NiTi alloys both prior to and after nitriding in low-temperature plasma at a temperature of 300 degrees C are presented. Nitriding under glow discharge conditions was conducted on samples with varying surface roughness. Examinations via the potentiodynamic and impedance spectroscopy methods (EIS) were carried out in Hank's and Ringer's solutions at 37 degrees C. Corrosion resistance tests were supplemented by morphology and roughness tests of the surface of NiTi alloy both with and without a diffusive layer. The obtained results show an increase in the corrosion resistance of NiTi alloys after nitriding. There was a significant impact of surface roughness on the corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy both with and without a nitrided layer.